Close contacts will be cleared to return to sports related activities by the COVID-19 point of contact once they meet ONE of the following criteria

1. Individual who is a close contact is fully vaccinated from COVID-19 which has been verified AND individual does not have any COVID-19 symptoms

a. Individual should continue to monitor for symptoms for 14 days b. If any symptoms develop, athlete must quarantine at that time and should be tested with a. PCR test as it is possible for vaccinated individuals to develop COVID-19, although it is rare. If the athlete is positive then they will need to follow the protocol for a COVID-19 + athlete.

2. A negative COVID-19 PCR test

a. Test should be performed a minimum of 10 days from last exposure to a person with COVID-19

b. The individual has no symptoms of COVID-19

c. The individual is a minimum of 14 days from last exposure to a person with COVID-19

*Negative tests obtained on days 1-9 of the self-isolation period will not be accepted for clearance under this protocol because of the high rate of “false negative” test results that may occur during this time.

3. A minimum of 14 days have passed from the last exposure to a person with COVID-19

a. An athlete will need to obtain medical clearance AND follow the 7-day return to activity progression

If the athlete test positive for COVID-19

Athletes who have positive COVID-19 test will require clearance by a qualified medical professional to return to practice and are required to follow the COVID-19 return to play protocol due to the risk of cardiac complications from COVID-19. Individuals who have had COVID-19 are at risk of developing severe cardiac complications that can affect participation in sport. There is limited research in this area particularly in youth athletes to standardize clinical decision making. For these reasons, it is strongly recommended that this form be completed by the patient’s primary care provider who is preferably an MD or DO. Evaluation and management by the primary care provider allows for the patient’s past medical and cardiac history to be known. Families have a minimum of 10 days to establish and arrange an appointment with a primary care provider for clearance to begin the return to sport protocol. If the athlete has met the above criteria, they may begin a return to play progression under the supervision of the school’s athletic trainer or other school personnel. It is recommended that each stage be completed without development of chest pain, chest tightness, palpitations, excessive fatigue, lightheadedness, pre-syncope or syncope. If these symptoms develop at any stage, the patient shall be referred back to the evaluating provider who signed the form. This protocol will take a minimum of 7 days to complete.

Completing the Form: Please contact the athletic trainer if your athlete tested positive to help you complete the form and guide you with more information.

We are taking the extra step in monitoring symptoms for your child’s safety if the athlete was exposed or tested positive due to risk of cardiac complications from COVID- 19. Your child may take a COVID-19 test no earlier than day 6after exposure. If the result is negative they will be allowed to return to school on day 8 after exposure as long as they have no signs or symptoms. Please see the athletic trainer once they have returned to school, to check in daily symptoms before practices or games. They will be cleared for athletics on day 10. The student athlete will continue to check in until day 14 after exposure. The athlete will not have to go through a return to play protocol after exposure.

Ky Karlik, MS, LAT, ATC

Head Athletic Trainer